Swift Water Rescue Gear Put to the Test

The recent storm increased water flows into the American river, providing prime opportunities for local fire departments to train for swift water rescues. One in particular was Auburn city Fire department after receiving the donation of 2 new swift water rescue suits.

Auburn City fire Department received the new gear as a donation from the Celebration church. Prior to the donation the department latterly had to stand on the show until the county or other department with the appropriate gear could get into the water.

Tuesday Feb 11th, Placer County, Cal-Fire, and Auburn City Fire joined for a training session on the middle Fork of the American River near the confluence. Placer County Firefighter 2, Shawn Ryan says they were specifically training for scenarios they use in the river.

The team had just such a scenario last summer when a group of 5 found themselves stranded on the very rock these rescuers were training on, when the river level came up as it does each afternoon, and the group could not make it back to shore.